Idris Elba to return for a fifth series of Luther

Luther is to return for a fifth series.

The show, which follows the travails of brilliant, yet volatile detective John Luther, had seemed to be at an end, with Elba's film commitments seemingly making him committing to a new series impossible, but he has now confirmed that he will return to make a fifth run, which will film early next year.

Speaking about the new series, co-creator and writer Neil Cross said: "It's a question Idris and I get asked a lot. What happened to John Luther after we last saw him striding unbowed through the streets of his city, his blood red London? "It can't be over, can it? There's so much we don't know. So much unfinished business. The thing is, we've been asking ourselves the same question."

He continued: "In the end, we picked up the phone to some old friends and asked if they'd like to find out what happens next. It turns out, they would. So that's what we're going to do. We're going to find out what happens next."

Elba added: "Neil, the BBC and I have been talking about a further season and I am thrilled that we have been able to bring it all together. I look forward to putting the coat back on."